Work began Thursday to repair a section of Route 27, one of Costa Rica’s busiest highways connecting San José Province with the Pacific provinces of Puntarenas and Guanacaste, after the roadway was closed following a major collapse, the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) announced.

According to MOPT Minister Efraím Zeledón, the collapse occurred on Wednesday afternoon along a two-lane section at kilometer 56 near the sports field in the Coyolar District of Orotina Canton in Alajuela Province.

The incident occurred while Globalvía, the company that operates Route 27, was carrying out road work to install a new culvert. However, a massive surge of water caused by heavy rainfall flowing down the hillside next to the highway destroyed the drainage structure and triggered the road collapse. The sinkhole spans nearly the entire width of the roadway and is approximately five meters deep.

Zeledón added that it is expected to reopen at least one lane on Friday to allow temporary passage through the construction area.

Over the next two weeks, crews will install a portable prefabricated truss structure, commonly known as a Bailey bridge, which will allow two-way traffic with one lane operating in each direction through the affected area.

Meanwhile, traffic officers have been deployed to the area, and warning signs have been installed to help manage traffic flow. Authorities are urging drivers to avoid the area while the roadway remains closed.

Drivers traveling through the Coyolar District, whether heading toward Alajuela or Puntarenas, are being advised to use two alternate routes:

• Heavy vehicles such as tractor-trailers, cargo trucks, and buses are being instructed to divert to National Route 1, known as the Interamerican Highway, at the Cambronero Canton in Alajuela Province and continue toward Puntarenas Province. Alternatively, drivers may detour through Orotina Canton in Alajuela Province to reconnect with Route 27 toward Puntarenas.

• The rest of the vehicles, such as sedans, pickup trucks, or motorcycles, are being advised to take National Route 757 near the old train station as an alternate route. The detour reconnects with Route 27 through Orotina Canton before continuing toward Puntarenas.

During the roadway repairs, Zeledón said an investigation will determine whether the government will impose a $50,000 fine on Globalvía for each day the highway remains closed.

The penalty is part of the sanctions established in the contract between the government and the Spanish-owned international concession company responsible for the management, maintenance, operation, and toll collection of Route 27.

The Route 27 road collapse comes as Costa Rica continues work on several transportation infrastructure projects across the country. Recently, authorities announced plans for a new bridge project near Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela Province.

The MOPT oversees Costa Rica’s road, port, and airport infrastructure, as well as national public transportation policy.

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What have you heard about other roads in Costa Rica that need repairs? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com

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